Death still reigns! Durant scores 39+7, Sengun records a big double-double, Randle nets 39 in vain, Rockets defeat Timberwolves

On January 17th Beijing time, during the NBA regular season, the Rockets played at home against the Timberwolves. The Timberwolves kept pressure in the first half, leading the Rockets continuously, but were counterattacked in the second half. Durant, despite being a veteran, still posted his highest scoring performance for the Rockets, and Sengun performed excellently with a big double-double. Edwards was still out for the Timberwolves, showing the team’s clear deficiency in critical scoring moments. After a fierce four-quarter battle, the Rockets won 110-105 over the Timberwolves.

Statistics:

Timberwolves: McDaniels 15 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists; Randle 39 points; Reed 25 points, 10 rebounds; Gobert 10 points, 13 rebounds

Rockets: Durant 39 points, 7 assists; Sengun 25 points, 14 rebounds; Amen 14 points, 7 rebounds; Shepard 14 points

Game progress:

At the start of the first quarter, the Timberwolves took control on the road with a 7-2 run. Sengun scored a layup to stop the bleeding, but Randle quickly hit a three-pointer to extend the lead. The two teams then engaged in a back-and-forth battle, with the Rockets gradually cutting into the Timberwolves’ advantage. With a mid-range jumper from Durant, the Rockets were only trailing by one. However, midway through the quarter, the Timberwolves unleashed a 10-0 run to stretch the lead to double digits. The Rockets struggled to close the gap. Toward the end of the quarter, the Rockets finally found their rhythm and responded with a 9-3 run to finish the period. After the first quarter, the Timberwolves led 34-29 by 5 points.

In the second quarter, the Timberwolves started strong again with an 8-3 run, pushing the lead back to double digits. Tate scored a layup to halt the bleeding, but DiVincenzo immediately answered with a three-pointer. The Rockets then went on a 7-1 run to narrow the margin, but Randle’s mid-range shot stopped the momentum. The teams continued to trade baskets, with the Timberwolves maintaining around a 9-point lead. Near the end of the quarter, the Rockets surged with a 9-1 run, quickly cutting the gap to 2 points. At halftime, the Timberwolves led 55-53 over the Rockets.

Starting the third quarter, the Rockets opened with a 6-2 run to take the lead, but Randle’s floater tied the game again. Both teams maintained good shooting percentages throughout the quarter, and neither side managed to pull away significantly. The contest was intense and fiercely competitive. After three quarters, the Timberwolves still held a slim 82-81 lead over the Rockets by 1 point.

In the decisive fourth quarter, the Rockets continued to seize the initiative, opening with a 12-3 run to overtake the Timberwolves and establish an 8-point lead. Randle’s three-pointer finally stopped the bleeding. The Rockets maintained their lead as the Timberwolves had two chances to close the gap, but Gobert missed both critical free throws badly. Entering the final crucial 2 minutes, the Rockets’ lead shrank to just 3 points. Sengun fouled out with six fouls at a key moment, and McDaniels made a free throw to bring the Timberwolves within 2. Durant stepped up in the clutch, making two free throws, then drew a foul on DiVincenzo and sank two more to seal the game. The match ended with the Rockets beating the Timberwolves 110-105.

Starting lineups for both teams:

Timberwolves: McDaniels, Randle, Gobert, DiVincenzo, Conley

Rockets: Durant, Smith, Sengun, Okogie, Amen Thompson